The US Forest Service has unveiled a proposal to amend the Northwest Forest Plan, potentially increasing logging in Oregon, Washington, and California by up to 200%. This proposal, introduced on Friday, seeks to mitigate rising wildfire risks and bolster rural economies by offering a more stable timber supply. Established in 1994, the original plan curtailed logging to protect habitats, like those of the spotted owl. Now, officials argue that active forest management is essential to enhance forest resiliency in the face of climate change.
The draft environmental study suggests that harvesting could rise by at least 33%, correlating with a boost in timber-related employment. The plan includes measures to cut trees in regions with trees up to 120 years old, an increase from the current 80-year limit. These actions, officials say, aim to reduce wildfire threats and promote the growth of fire-resistant old-growth trees by thinning out younger trees. A notable aspect of the new plan is its effort to incorporate tribal knowledge in forest management; tribes were not included in the crafting of the 1994 plan.
Critics, however, express concerns. Environmentalists, like Oregon Wild, find the timing unsettling with a change in the presidential administration imminent. They argue the proposal might stray from the original plan's objectives of safeguarding mature forests and wildlife. The announcement initiates a 120-day public comment period, with the environmental review and a final decision expected in early 2026. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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